The most recent Architectural Billings Index was released, and as expected, the main number remains underwater —though slightly better than last month. The big key again was inquiries were positive- making that a nice trend, and even the AIA analyst is seeing some hope:
“While business conditions remained soft at architecture firms nationally, there are signs that the downturn may be bottoming out,” he said. “Inquiries for new projects have increased four straight months, and billings both at firms with a multifamily or commercial/industrial specialization are beginning to stabilize.”
“Stabilize” is such a huge word here. The fact that there continues to be so much unknown is what really roils the marketplace. The next few months should bring some clarity to the significant items concerning the money crowd, and hopefully, that will get more work off the sidelines and back in the pipeline. As always, trying to stay positive here….
Elsewhere…
-- ICYMI- the latest episode of “From the Fabricator” is out, and I have found that with this one, it has something for almost everyone. Kevin Hardman delivered a great rundown of our space, and the duo of Heidi Trudell and Alex Sobolev had an insightful dive into the bird-friendly realm. Enjoy pod there. A new episode is coming next week, featuring two people who are monsters in their segments. It’ll be a good listen/watch for sure. Thank you for checking these all out- traffic has been overwhelming!
AUDIO Or search "From the Fabricator" at your favorite podcast platform
Thank you to the episode sponsor- FHC Frameless Hardware Company. I am grateful for the continued support.
-- Guardian Glass recently announced the launch of CLARIA, an AI support tool on its website. I’ve experimented with some, and it has some very promising potential. A few kinks right now, but that is common in any launch, and especially with AI. Good to see the next steps happening, and it just continues to enthuse me that we’re evolving. This, along with what my pal Ted Baumgardner is doing with Guthrie AI, are all significant efficiency steps.
-- Great news to see Bowie Neumayer named President at Cardinal Glass. Bowie is an awesome person and talent, and I am thrilled he’s now made it to the top. Succeeding an absolute legend in Roger O’Shaughnessy won’t be easy, but I am confident that Bowie can do it! Congrats to him and the folks at Cardinal on this new transition. Also, Bowie is the biggest Texas Tech fan around, so the fact that his team there is off to a great start has to make him happy, too.
-- Congrats to Nick Davy of Andluca for the honor of being selected as one of the early-career engineers picked for the US Frontiers of Engineering Symposium by the National Academy of Engineering. The Frontiers of Engineering program brings together engineers from diverse fields and sectors to exchange ideas and share new approaches that strengthen U.S. innovation. I’ve gotten to know Nick a bit over the past year (he was a previous guest on the Podcast, too); he’s a sharp guy, and I love his absolute commitment to innovating the next generation of glass and window products. Additionally, a massive pub like this for an industry professional is extremely exciting.
-- Last this week… check this out… massive smash and grab jewelry store robbery. So, the beginning is crushing the display cases, but the end is where I was thrown. They shot the door and busted through, and I was floored by what the result looked like. So. Much. Wrong. Here. View at: https://youtu.be/-q9UigoTG9w
LINKS of the WEEK
-- A massive magnet - built for good things, but as my friend who sent this to me said, “would hate to see this fall into the wrong hands” https://www.sustainability-times.com/energy/france-built-a-star-in-a-bottle-scientists-create-magnet-280000-times-stronger-than-earth-that-changes-everything-forever/
-- A bear doing damage in Connecticut. In like a suburban neighborhood. Yeah. I’d move. https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/ct-black-bear-simsbury-home-lemis-21062745.php
-- The football team vs. the band. Never ends well. https://www.eastidahonews.com/2025/09/fans-angry-at-football-team-entering-field-during-band-performance/
PROJECT of the WEEK
Back to the great state of Texas and another very good man and company. This is from Hou-Tex glass and Rick Newnom. This is the new Calfee Middle School for the Willis Independent School District. Solid job- but the design with the amount of metal is something else. Nothing was noted on who did the glass or aluminum, but whoever it was- I’m sure they enjoyed that order. Great work, Rick and team!!!
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